TRIBUTES have been paid to former Guisborough mayor John Christie, who died on Christmas Day after a short illness.
Mourners packed Guisborough Salvation Army citadel at a service of thanksgiving yesterday.
Mr Christie, who was 71, was a member of the Labour Party for many years and was Guisborough's first Labour Mayor. Originally from Scotland, moving to Cleveland in the 1960s, he worked as a fitter and turner at Teesport and for ICI.
He was a town councillor for eight years and became mayor of Guisborough in 1998, before retiring.
His wife, Frances, was Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's first mayor.
She said: "He was full of life, very positive and committed to his community. He told me not to wear black at the funeral, he wanted everyone to be cheerful.
"He was such a funny man, full of jokes and took life by the horns. He was a very well-liked man. Everyone sang You'll Never Walk Alone at the service and we would have done Liverpool proud.
"He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and none of us could have wanted for anything more."
Former councillor and Guisborough Labour Party secretary, Harry Tout, said: "John was a good chap and was always in the thick of political arguments, as we all were.
He took part in most things, from debates to elections. I helped him campaign during his own election, which he won. He was a Labour supporter right up to his death."
Mr Christie died at Guisborough General Hospital on Christmas Day. A private cremation was held yesterday followed by a service of thanksgiving at the Salvation Army citadel.
Mr Christie is survived by his wife, and daughters, Mildred and Fiona
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article